Five Agile Testing Techniques for a Tester

Agile development embraces a step-by-step method for creating software, similar to how Agile testing adopts a gradual approach to its testing process. This software testing method involves examining features as they come into being.

Although Agile methodologies are now widely adopted, several organizations, especially those in regulated sectors needing stringent documentation and traceability, continue to employ waterfall or hybrid development models. Moreover, some teams are navigating the transition towards Agile.

No matter your stage in adopting Agile, this guide will enhance your comprehension of Agile testing fundamentals and offer insights on smoothly transitioning to an Agile testing approach. We will also guide you on devising and enacting an effective Agile testing plan.

Understanding Agile Testing Techniques

Agile testing technique mirrors the Agile development approach by breaking down large testing tasks into smaller, focused tests targeting specific aspects like user stories, tasks, or technical requirements.

Such segmentation into smaller testing units facilitates more timely and efficient testing processes.

Supporting Continuous Testing with Agile Techniques

Agile testing promotes the principles of DevOps and continuous testing, crucial for elevating product quality.

In Agile frameworks, the emphasis is on early and recurrent testing. Thus, testing is conducted alongside feature development, adhering to a "shift left" testing principle.

Prioritizing tests alongside user stories allows testers to cover as many tests as possible within each cycle, with automation tools aiding in addressing the testing backlog more efficiently.

Early and continuous testing aids in identifying issues promptly, avoiding costly last-minute fixes and delays in market release. It also ensures easier bug resolution and enhances test coverage, leading to improved product quality and safety.

Roles of an Agile Tester

In Agile, testing and quality assurance are collective responsibilities. Testers and developers in Agile environments must collaborate closely, prioritizing communication and teamwork.

Agile projects often initiate with test-driven methods, requiring developers to first create tests, followed by the code to satisfy those tests. This collaboration extends throughout the development and testing phases, emphasizing continuous interaction between testers and developers.

Grasping the 'Definition of Done'

A universally understood 'definition of done' among team members signifies the completion of a user story, driven by its acceptance criteria. A test confirms the fulfilment of a user story, demanding clarity on what has been tested and what defects remain to be addressed.

Agile Testing Techniques: Five Examples

In Agile, testing precedes development. Creating a user story involves defining acceptance criteria that guide testing and validation.

Regardless of the Agile testing model employed (Scrum, XP, Kanban, or hybrids), common testing methods in Agile include:

Test-Driven Development (TDD): Initiates with unit tests, followed by the user story and code development until the test passes, ensuring feature functionality.

Acceptance Test-Driven Development (ATDD): Begins with customer input, leading to user acceptance tests and code development until meeting the test requirements.

Behaviour-Driven Development (BDD): Connects development to business outcomes, incorporating tests within user stories as scenarios or specifications.

Exploratory Testing: Allows testers to follow their intuition without a predefined path, focusing on uncovering hidden product risks.

Session-Based Testing: Similar to exploratory testing but with a defined mission, aiming to discover hidden bugs.

Strategizing Agile Testing

Unlike traditional development, Agile often foregoes detailed test plans in favor of a flexible, adaptable testing strategy.

This strategy might be documented, visualized through a test matrix, or organized via a Kanban board, including:

·         Purpose (aligned with the user story)

·         Objectives (test cases)

·         Scope (testing requirements)

·         Methods (execution of tests)

Creating an Agile test strategy becomes straightforward with the right tools, guiding through defining purposes, tests, and user stories, and facilitating test case generation and validation.

Benefits of Agile Testing

Agile testing enhances product quality, accelerates development cycles, and improves test case management. Early error detection reduces late-stage risks, ensuring timely releases and enhancing customer satisfaction by delivering reliable, regularly updated products.

Managing Agile Testing

The 'definition of done' plays a crucial role in Agile testing, necessitating clear communication about the completion status and pending issues among team members. Tools offer comprehensive test management, ensuring team alignment and visibility across the Agile testing process.

In conclusion, Agile testing is a critical component of the Agile development process, offering a dynamic and iterative approach that aligns closely with the principles of continuous improvement and collaboration. By breaking down the testing process into smaller, more manageable units, Agile testing enables teams to address issues promptly, enhance product quality, and ensure more efficient testing cycles. The roles within Agile testing emphasize collaboration and communication, underscoring the collective responsibility of testers and developers to achieve quality outcomes.